The Ghibli Museum (in Japanese; 三鷹の森ジブリ美術館, "Mitaka no Mori Jiburi Bijutsukan") is the animation and art museum of Miyazaki Hayao's Studio Ghibli. It is one of Japan's most famous animation studios. Studio Ghibli has produced many world-wide famous feature films such as "My Neighbor Totoro", "Princess Mononoke" and "Spirited Away". The museum has always been popular with Japanese people but recently has become super popular with world-wide visitors. The only problem with the museum is actually getting and being able to purchase a ticket to enter the place! Typically the tickets sell out very quickly as soon as they go on sale (especially during the summer months). See below "Purchasing a ticket".

Entrace to the Ghibli Museum, Tokyo Japan

Ghibli Studio decided it might want to open a "museum" dedicated to their art in 1998. After two years of planning, construction on the Ghibli Museum started in 2000 and the museum opened October 1, 2001. Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Director, actually designed most of the museum himself. The museum has all kinds of fun and interesting features which make it an exciting and magical place to visit. These features are designed like some of the building in his film work. "Let's get lost together" is the museum's slogan, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in his imagination and film work.

Ghibli Museum, Tokyo Japan

Purchasing a ticket

Ghibli Museum tickets are quickly snatched up by Japanese people, booking sites and even scalpers so either be prepared to purchase very quickly (and exactly when they go on sale) or to pay a handsome fee. Furthermore Japanese Holidays, weekends and summer vacation days are extremely popular so if possible try to avoid these days.

Online (from anywhere)

The "Main" online purchase site is I-Tike.com (which is a rather out-dated site but it is in English). Just read the instructions carefully and you can buy a standard regular price ticket (around 1,000 yen)... if you lucky.

Japanican also sells tickets that include a "tour" for a much higher price. Visit the Japanican site for current prices and tour inclusions.

Purchasing in person (from Overseas)

You can purchase a Ghibli Museum ticket at JTB overseas offices. Search for a local office in your area. Ticket prices vary greatly. Tickets for a given month go on sale three months in advance on the 1st of the month. You will be given a voucher with a specified entry date printed on it. You can exchange the voucher at the museum for your ticket (passport required) at anytime during your entry day.

Purchasing in person (within Japan)

You can purchase a Ghibli Museum ticket at Lawson convenience stores (they are everywhere in Japan; purchasing instructions in English). Within the Lawson there is a "Loppi" ticket machine where you can buy a ticket. Tickets for a given month go on sale on the 10th of the preceding month. A specific entry date and time slot must be selected when purchasing your ticket.

Access

Closest Train Station: Mitaka

1-1-83 Simorenjaku, Mitaka-shi, Tokyo. 181-0013

The museum is within Mitaka Inokashira Park.

To Mitaka station, take the JR Chuo Line. Approx. 20 min. from Shinjuku station.
From the Mitaka South Exit, approx. 15 min. walk along the Tamagawa Josui "Waterworks" to the museum.

A Community Bus is in operation from Mitaka Station to the Museum.Bus Fare
Adult: 210yen(one-way) , 320yen(round-trip)
Child(12 and Under): 110yen(one-way), 160yen(round-trip)

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Ryokan Sansuiso

This Japanese Inn ("Ryokan" in Japanese) is your very basic Japanese Inn type offering. They have simple rooms for very low prices in the semi out-of-the-way Gotanda district, but its major appeal is its close proximity to many other places.

10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Closed Days: The Museum is generally closed every Tuesday. Closed Dates fluctuate and change so please view the Official Ghibli Museum Closed Dates Calendar for details. Cost
Standard tickets bought at I-Tike.com go for around 1,000 yen for adults, less for various ages of children. However, if purchased through a booking site or other means, the price will most likely be much higher.